Texas Bar Journal - January 2014

News From Around the Bar

2013-12-25 06:36:24

Collected writings of Justice Jack Pope now available
Texas judges, attorneys, and members of the public gathered at the Texas Law Center on Nov. 22, 2013, to celebrate the debut of Common Law Judge: Selected Writings of Chief Justice Jack Pope of Texas.
The book offers insight into Justice Jack Pope’s 38 years on the Texas Supreme Court bench through selected writings on various topics including common-law and judicial practice, opinion writing, and the jury system. During the reception, Justice Pope signed copies and offered thanks to the donors and staff that helped make the book possible.
Common Law Judge was published by the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society and edited by Marilyn P. Duncan.
Above: Retired Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jack Pope signs copies of Common Law Judge.
Induction Company Welcomes new attomeys to state Bar
More than 2,200 new attorneys were admitted to the State Bar of Texas on Nov. 18, 2013 during an induction ceremony in Austin conducted by the Supreme Court of Texas. State Bar President Lisa M. Tatum and Texas Young Lawyers Association President Kristy Blanchard welcomed the new lawyers to the profession before Tom Owens, the high scorer on the July 2013 bar examination, addressed the crowd. Justice Paul Green presented awards to University of Texas School of Law graduate Megan Sheffield, who received the Access to Justice Law Student Pro Bono Award, and St. Mary’s University School of Law, which accepted the Access to Justice Law School Commitment to Service Award.
Above: Tom Owens, right, and other inductees take the lawyer’s oath.
Harvest Celebration supports Houston volunteer lawyers
The Houston Bar Association and Houston Bar Foundation raised $619,500 in underwriting for pro bono legal services in Harris County during the 64th Harvest Celebration, which took place Nov. 18, 2013, at River Oaks Country Club.
Above from left: Hon. Lee Duggan Jr., HBA Auxiliary President Annette Duggan, Houston Bar Foundation Chair Glenn Ballard, Susan Ballard, and HBA President David Chaumette.
ABLA holds first pro bono clinic based on SBOT Care Kit
On Nov. 9, 2013, the Austin Black Lawyers Association hosted its first free legal clinic based on the State Bar of Texas Care Kit, a set of tools that encourages lawyers to engage in pro bono work. Rudolph Metayer, ABLA president, said that the Care Kit played a vital role in helping organize the event.
“We already had the idea, but honestly now we’ll probably do one annually,” said Metayer.
Volunteers with ABLA and the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid nonprofit met with about 38 community members in just four hours to discuss a variety of legal matters. The 30-minute consultations provided clients with more knowledge on how to move forward with their cases.
For more information or to request a Care Kit, go to texasbar.com/carecampaign.
Above: Community members receive free legal consultations at the November ABLA Care Clinic in East Austin.